170 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [Mace 
how clearly he sees its disadvantages. Nevertheless it isame- 
ter of surprise to note that he did not feel impelled to follor 
the Madison rules in the ///ustrated Flora, nor even in the List ¢ 
Pteridophyta, etc., (which was expressly prepared to illustrate 
the nomenclatorial system of the American Association), fora 
both works Avenaria stricta Michx. is still kept up, although the 
Madison rule would clearly establish Avenaria stricta (Sw.) Wats 
for the European plant and force the adoption of A. Micha 
Fenzl. for the American. Dr. Britton’s usage can scarcely be 
due to oversight, for he had so recently shown a complete under 
Standing of the existence and distinctness of the two spetits 
concerned. But if, on the other hand, it is to be taken asa vey 
sensible exception to an undesirable rule, it may be asked: What 
is to become of a rigid system, if even very sensible exceptions 
are permitted ? | 
SPERGULARIA BOREALIS Rob.—Until recently this species has 
not been known south of Wells, Maine, where collected by Mr. ; 
Walter Deane. However, President E. Brainerd has brought! | 
the notice of the writer specimens collected at North Dennis 0 
Cape Cod by the Rev. C. N. Brainerd, and still more rece! 
specimens from the banks of Seekonk river near Providetts 
Rhode Island, have been sent to the herbarium of the New Eng: 7 
land Botanical Club by Mr. J. F. Collins. These more ie : 
Specimens agree in all observed points with the northern. 2 
best distinctive features appear to be the short blunt ap : 
large seeds. figs. 2 and 3 of Plate XIII will assist ™ a - 
Suishing this species from S. salina Presl., the only meme” — 
the genus with which it is likely to be confused. An 7 
tion of the specimens of Spergularia in the herbarium of é 
Middlesex Institute, recently deposited in the herbarium 0" 
Salina by Mr.F.S. Collins. Upon this material rests the 14 pi : 
medium of Dame & Collins, Flora of Middlesex County, a 
. any 
Now that the species is known within easy reach of many” 
